Moving to a new house never fails to rank as one of the most stressful experiences in our lives. From cancelling utilities and organising mail redirections, to the dreadedend-of-lease clean, moving house is always time-consuming, stressful and dirty.

No matter if you started the process weeks before your scheduled vacate date, for even the most experienced house-movers, there’s the inevitable rush at the end to complete all the necessary tasks and tie up the loose ends.

And if you’re a renter, the issue of getting all of your rental bond back will be firmly in your mind as well. Landlords and real estate agents are notoriously difficult when it comes to releasing rental bonds, often withholding the bond for the most trivial of reasons (generally, it’salways cleanliness related!)

If you’re about to move house and want to get 100% of your bond back, we’ve rounded up 7 common end of lease cleaning mistakes to avoid – thank us later!

#1 – Lack of preparation:

Fail to plan, plan to fail as they say. Leaving your end of lease clean to the last minute will almost guarantee a complaint from the landlord. Aim to have your property fully vacated and professionally cleaned first thing in the morning – or ideally, the night before. Wet, streaky floors, missed areas and patchy polishing are sure-fire ways to bring on a battle for the bond.

#2 – Trying to DIY:

If there’s one time to give your DIY dreams a miss, that’s during your end of lease cleaning! Enlist the professionals. A professional end of lease cleaning company not only own all the equipment and products to ensure a perfect clean, they also know EXACTLY what landlords in Melbourne are looking for. Firms such as Clean House Melbourne meticulously run through a checklist that’ll get your bond back 100%.

#3 – Letting the cleanliness slide for too long before moving:

It’s easy to throw your general upkeep to the curb when you know you’re about to move house. Letting basic cleaning tasks slip through the cracks only makes the big end of lease cleaning task even bigger! Try to keep up with your routine ofregular house cleaning as much as you can to avoid higher costs and panic when you move.

#4 – Forgetting to clean and tidy the outside areas of your home:

It sounds simple, but the external areas of your property need to be spick and span if you want to get your bond back. Balconies, courtyards, backyards and patios are often overlooked in favour of the internal areas of the home, but these are a target for eagle-eyed landlords.

#5 – Attempting to spot clean the carpets yourself:

You may think a DIY spot-clean using water and household cleaning products will get your landlord’s tick of approval – wrong! Soaking carpets and using the wrong products can often make the problem worse. Have yourcarpets professionally steam cleaned by qualified end of lease cleaners – the results will speak for themselves.

#6 – Leaving a grubby dishwasher and oven:

Out of sight, out of mind… not quite. A hive of germs and bacteria is the humble dishwasher. Clean your dishwasher the day before by thoroughly cleaning the filters and running two hot cycles. Likewise, pay attention to your oven. Start the process at least a few days before, and if it’s too overwhelming, hire a professional oven cleaner.

#7 – Not having a completely empty home prior to end of lease cleaning:

You may be pushed for time but resist the temptation to overlap your cleaners with your removalists. Not only does this make the job easier for the cleaners (and cheaper for you), it prevents dust and debris from recirculating through the home and all over the floors after the job is finished.

FAQs about End Of Lease Cleaning:

Why is preparation important for end-of-lease cleaning?
Proper planning avoids last-minute issues, ensuring the property is cleaned thoroughly and on time, increasing the likelihood of bond return.
Is it advisable to do DIY end-of-lease cleaning?
DIY may not meet professional standards required by landlords. Hiring professionals ensures a thorough clean that satisfies inspection criteria.
How does neglecting regular cleaning affect end-of-lease results?
Ignoring regular maintenance makes end-of-lease cleaning more difficult and costly, as accumulated dirt and grime are harder to remove.
Why should outdoor areas be included in end-of-lease cleaning?
Landlords check external spaces like patios and balconies, and neglecting these can result in bond deductions.
What’s the risk of DIY carpet cleaning for end-of-lease?
DIY carpet cleaning may not meet landlord standards and can cause damage. Professional steam cleaning is recommended for best results.
Why are ovens and dishwashers crucial in end-of-lease cleaning?
These appliances are inspected closely by landlords. Cleaning them thoroughly helps avoid disputes and bond reductions.
How should the property be prepared for professional cleaners?
Ensure the property is completely vacated before cleaners arrive to facilitate a more efficient and thorough clean.
How does professional end-of-lease cleaning benefit tenants?
Professionals use a checklist aligned with landlord expectations, increasing the chance of a full bond refund.
What should be done if the property has mould issues?
Address mould early using appropriate cleaning agents to meet inspection requirements and maintain a healthy environment.
When should end-of-lease cleaning be scheduled?
Book at least a few days before the move-out date to allow for any follow-up cleaning if needed.

We’re here to help! To guarantee a perfect end of lease cleaning scorecard, contact Clean House Melbourne today on 0407 094 444